Louella Smith

September 27, 2016

Louella Smith, 75, passed away in the early morning of Tuesday September 27, 2016 at Yuma Regional Medical Center. Louella was born in Mangum OK, the only daughter of William Clyde and Edith Pearl Cranford. Louella grew up with her seven brothers as her father provided for his family by ginning cotton in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Louella distinguished herself academically and, early on, adopted her life-long emulation of her mother's loving and thoughtful disposition. After moving to Arizona in the early 60's Louella met Wendell Smith and they married and settled down in Yuma. While Wendell provided a career of service to our country in the U.S. Navy, Louella tirelessly raised her two sons, Curtis Dale and Tony Andrew Smith. Never one to sit idle, Louella was deeply involved in the Yuma community. Occupationally, Louella was known for her work at the Junior Livestock Office, Cooperative Extension Service, PTA, and decades of management for several successful businesses in the Yuma area. Socially, Louella was once described as, “Martha Stewart on overdrive” when a neighbor joined in on one of her planned, coordinated, and decorated events. Louella was full of life and her kindness will live on in us as we strive to live by her example of preferring to be kind and supportive rather than being right. Louella taught Sunday School and raised her family in the Nazarene Church also attending Calvary Baptist and Morningside Baptist through the years. Her family was Louella's pride and joy and we will miss her more than words can say. Louella is survived by her two sons Curtis Smith and Tony (Tara) Smith, her grandchildren Ryan Sill, Daniel Smith, Alyssa Smith, Jeremy Smith, and her greatgranddaughter Audrey Sill, her brothers Dick (Janice) Cranford, John (Nancy) Cranford, and Jim (Robbyn) Cranford, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Aunt LuLu was truly a “great” aunt to many in her extended family, as well as those who considered her family, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Louella was preceded in death by her parents, William Clyde and Edith Pearl Cranford, her brothers William Clyde Jr, Kennith Dale, William Thomas, and Bobby Ray. Louella will be laid to rest alongside of her mother, father, and brother Kennith in Chillicothe Texas. Services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Smith Funeral Home, 14035 US Hwy 278, Chillicothe, TX 79225. In addition, a celebration of her life is being planned to take place in Yuma this fall/winter to allow as many to attend as would like. In lieu of flowers or other donations please consider contributing to her GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral costs. https://www.gofundme.com/2rxnv64